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11 Dec 2014

Let the celebrations begin

We all know that this time of year is full of festivities and everyone looks to the new year and new things to come. However, everyone has their own little way of celebrating this holiday, with specific traditions and festivities, mostly linked to good luck. Here are just a few of the traditions that are seen across the world.

China:

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

In China, they follow the Lunar New Year, which means that their New Year celebrations usually take place a few weeks after western countries that follow the Gregorian calender. In 2015, New Year's celebrations will take place on February 19th and it will be the year of the Goat. There are various traditions, which differ in different regions, usually families make sure as to clean the house to 'sweep away' bad spirits and make way for good luck.

They also use various decorations including red paper lanterns, calligraphy posters and there is of course the Dragon and lion dance which evicts evil spirits.

Spain

In Spain the evening usually begins with a family dinner and then the main countdown is followed from the clock on top of Casa de Correos in Puerta del Sol, Madrid. At midnight, people eat 12 grapes, one at each chime, and each grape signifies a month of prosperity and good luck, making in total a great new year, full of luck!

Source: www.babylon-idiomas.com

Usually after the countdown and the grapes, the parties will carry on late into the night either in small personal parties in bars or large celebrations with thousands of guests in hotels. The following morning, they traditionally eat a winter breakfast of Chocolate con churros.

Germany

Source: www.globalpost.com

Berlin hosts one of Europe's largest celebrations with over 1 million people attending each year. The main fireworks display takes place at Brandenburg gate. As well as the typical celebration with the countdown and fireworks, there is also the tradition of Bleigießen, which involves telling fortunes by shapes made by molten lead dropped in cold water. They also eat tiny marzipan pigs for good luck.

England

The main celebration is in central London and focuses on Big Ben. When Ben chimes at midnight people traditionally join hands and sing Auld Lang Syne. The fireworks display usually takes place around the London Eye to a soundtrack of British music (usually the Beatles, Queen, Blur etc). The following sees the end of celebrations and the New year's day parade.

Source: www.ghiduri-turistice.info

USA

The main celebration of course takes place in Times Square. At 11:59pm a 12foot ball is released from the roof of One Times Square and takes one minute to descend the 70foot drop. When it is fully descended this signifies midnight and the start of the real celebrations and fireworks. The 'ball drop' attracts around a million spectators every year.